Upcoming Events

The Evidence Synthesis Ireland (ESI) Fellowship Scheme aims to to give Fellows the opportunity to learn about evidence synthesis in general, as well as to develop the practical skills of how to plan, design, conduct and report an evidence synthesis. Fellows may be in full or part time employment, be clinicians or clinician-academic trainees, researchers and/or postgraduate students resident in the island of Ireland and working in health and/or social care areas. The ESI Fellowship scheme involves placing Fellows (in a virtual environment) with experienced evidence synthesis centres and review teams in Ireland and internationally. Up to 16 Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellowships are available per year. Award duration is until review completion or for up to 24 months maximum. There is a bursary for receipted travel and/or dissemination expenses up to a value of €1,000 available to each Fellow (for example to support travelling to the host centre or seminar/conference attendance). Fellows will be eligible to attend all ESI training workshops for free during their Fellowship. Applications for fellowships should be submitted by 5pm on 19th September 2019.

More details available here.

This workshop provides authors, at the beginning of the Cochrane systematic review process, with an in-depth understanding of how Cochrane reviews are structured. It offers an insight to the development of a Cochrane protocol, introducing participants to Cochrane methodology, search methods, data extraction and meta-analysis. This workshop also includes an introduction to RevMan software and its use during protocol development.

Learning outcomes

In this course participants will be enabled to:

Understand the basic principles of a systematic review

Identify the scope of their review

Understand search methods and apply these methods to their search strategy

Apply the criteria for selecting studies

Understand the principles of creating a data collection form and of data extraction.

Attain a basic understanding of principles of meta-analysis

Identify heterogeneity and understand the methods for assessing and addressing it

Teaching strategies

The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations, led by members of the Cochrane Ireland teaching faculty covering each of the stages of developing a systematic review protocol, small group activities and plenary discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their protocol.

Facilitators

Dr Linda Biesty, Evidence Synthesis Ireland and NUIG

Prof Declan Devane, Cochrane Ireland & Evidence Synthesis Ireland

Registration, and further details, are available here. The number of participants for the course is limited to 35.

The Irish Gerontological Society will hold their 67th Annual and Scientific Meeting 2019 from Thur 26^th to Sat 28^th September 2019 at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork. Organised in association with University College Cork, South/Southwest Hospital Group, and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, the theme of the conference will be Innovation, Advances and Excellence in Ageing. The conference will have a varied and interesting scientific programme for delegates and includes our annual members’ gala dinner. Registration is open, details of which can be found on the IGS website.

Health care policy and practice decisions should be based on a synthesis of the global body of evidence rather than relying on individual studies. This event will provide knowledge and practical experience of methods of qualitative evidence synthesis (QES). By the end of this course, participants will be able to select an appropriate method for synthesis in a literature on their own topic and operationalize a strategy to take this through to synthesis and presentation.

Learning outcomes

In this course, participants will be enabled to:

• Gain knowledge and practical experience of methods of qualitative evidence synthesis (QES).
• Understand thematic synthesis
• Understand framework synthesis
• Understand meta-ethnography

Teaching strategies

After a brief overview of the QES process the main body of the course will focus on the three most common and most flexible methods of synthesis namely, thematic synthesis, framework synthesis and meta-ethnography. Participants will be given an opportunity to try these three different methods; extracting data from some sample qualitative research studies and looking how to bring them together within a synthesis. Some considerations when choosing appropriate methods of synthesis will be rehearsed together with some of the current debates and controversies associated with the process.

Facilitator

Dr Andrew Booth, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield.

Dr Pauline Meskell, Senior lecturer in Nursing & Health Research, University of Limerick.

Registration and further details are available here.

This 3-day course is for professionals and researchers from all academic disciplines who are new to Stata.

The course assumes only limited statistical knowledge and experience of using statistical software.

The participants will be introduced to Stata’s interface. They will be shown how manage and prepare datasets for analysis. The fundamentals of data analysis and visualization will also be taught. Then, the participants will be introduced to two of the main data analysis tools: linear regression and logistic regression. Participants will be taught the statistical theory behind these methods, and they will apply these methods to specially chosen datasets using examples from economic, social, and medical research. For example, the Growing Up in Ireland dataset will be analysed during the sessions.

Further information, including the agenda, prices and registration, available here.

This 3-day course is for professionals and researchers from all academic disciplines who are new to Stata.

The course assumes only limited statistical knowledge and experience of using statistical software.

The participants will be introduced to Stata’s interface. They will be shown how manage and prepare datasets for analysis. The fundamentals of data analysis and visualization will also be taught. Then, the participants will be introduced to two of the main data analysis tools: linear regression and logistic regression. Participants will be taught the statistical theory behind these methods, and they will apply these methods to specially chosen datasets using examples from economic, social, and medical research. For example, the Growing Up in Ireland dataset will be analysed during the sessions.

Further information, including the agenda, prices and registration, available here.

The Organisation for Psychological Research into Stroke (OPSYRIS) special interest group is primarily (but not exclusively) for clinical and neuropsychologists researching in stroke rehabilitation. OPSYRIS also encourage links between research and clinical practice. The aim of the group is to facilitate research in psychological aspects of stroke rehabilitation, to provide research on stroke which informs clinical psychology practice and to promote the consideration of psychological factors in clinical stroke services. Annual meetings are held to promote communication between researchers, update the knowledge base and to facilitate new developments in clinical research. The next meeting will take place on 4th October 2019, hosted by the University of Oxford. More information about OPSYRIS can be accessed here.

Building on the success of 2017, the 5th International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference promises to be a unique opportunity for those working in clinical trials to meet and discuss the current issues within trials and trials methodology. The event will showcase the very latest in trials methodology research and offer plenty of valuable opportunities for networking. The Conference will also mark 10 years since the Network of Hubs for Trials Methodology Research began in 2009. A diverse programme will be prepared by the Scientific Committee and Education Committee, which promises to make this a highly rewarding and enjoyable meeting for all. The 2019 conference will take place in the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant and iconic seaside resorts, Brighton, located on the south coast of England. Brighton has attractions for all; including its world-famous Victorian pier, the grand the Neo-Oriental Royal Pavilion and the 450-foot i360 observation tower, which delivers breathtaking 360 degree views.

Electronic Health Records in Ireland – getting it right from the start

The field of eHealth and Electronic Health Records is entering an important phase in Ireland, particularly since the advent of Slaintecare. The Irish healthcare and research environments need to develop standardised, user-friendly solutions to provide access to people’s health information, and to facilitate appropriate sharing of health data.

Hosted as part of the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science & Industry (IPPOSI)’s 2019 Theme of Patient Data, this conference offers a unique forum for discussions on how the design & development of eHealth technologies in Ireland can be based on people’s needs, with a focus on ethical sharing, patients’ privacy and respect for people’s choices and preferences. The conference aligns under the 2019 IPPOSI Theme of ‘Patient Data’ and is designed to encourage discussion and debate on the design and development of eHealth technologies in Ireland. An IPPOSI Outcome report summarising discussions and presentations will be produced after the meeting, with a view to establishing further dialogue and interactions into the future.

Confirmed names include:

• Declan Noone, European Haemophilia Consortium
• Shane McKee, Belfast HSC Trust
• Mary Fitzsimons, FutureNeuro and Epilepsy Lighthouse Project
• Fran Thompson, eHealth Ireland and Office of the HSE Chief Information Officer
• Laura Magahy, Sláintecare
• Eilísh Hardiman, Children’s Hospital Ireland
• Dipak Kalra, EuroRec Institute
• Loretto Grogan, Office of the HSE Nursing and Midwifery Services Director

Further details on the schedule, and to register (free), are available here.

Evidence Synthesis Ireland organise regular webinars that aim to bring evidence synthesis knowledge, awareness and capacity on the island of Ireland. An upcoming webinar in October will focus on meta-aggregation as a method in qualitative evidence synthesis, and will be delivered by Professor Sharon Hamilton of Teesside University. Professor Hamilton has an academic background in nursing, social sciences and public health with a research interest in improvements in patient outcomes, quality of patient care, systematic reviewing, particularly qualitative reviewing and scoping reviews. The webinar will focus on the use of meta-aggregation as a method for synthesizing data in qualitative systematic reviews. The session will cover the practical aspects of how to undertake a meta-aggregation and will use examples from a range of completed reviews. This will include how to identify findings from included studies, how to categorize those findings and how to develop synthesized findings. The session will also highlight the strengths and limitations of meta-aggregation as well as alternatives that are available.

Click here to register and to access the webinar.

This workshop provides authors, actively involved in conducting a Cochrane systematic review, with confidence to assess a wide range of data types. It offers an insight into more complex methods of meta-analysis. This workshop also includes an overview on how to produce a summary of findings table for use in your review.

Learning outcomes

In this course participants will be enabled to:

• Understand how to interpret results and draw conclusions
• Understand more complex meta-analysis methods
• Attain an understanding of how to assess quality of evidence using the GRADE method
• Understand how to create a summary of findings table

Teaching strategies

The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations, led by members of the Cochrane Ireland teaching faculty covering analysis methods, risk of bias and exploring heterogeneity. It includes small group activities and plenary discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their protocol.

Facilitators

• Dr Chris Cates, Cochrane UK
• Mr Bernard McCarthy, NUI Galway & Evidence Synthesis Ireland Faculty

Registration and further details on the workshop are available here. The number of participants for the course is limited to 25.

The Wellcome Trust HRB Clinical Research Facility, St. James’s Hospital will host “An Introduction to GCP” training courses for Investigators and Site Staff on 15.11.2019. Training takes place from 14.00-17.00 in the CRF Seminar Room. The course includes a brief introduction to the national regulatory framework, Principles of ICH-GCP, Investigator Responsibilities and Essential Documents. The course is delivered with a practical focus and provides workshops and opportunities for discussion. Certificates of attendance will be provided on the day. The training is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (3 CEUs).

The Stroke Clinical Trials Network Ireland (SCTNI) 2019 annual conference will take place on 22nd November 2019. Focused on New Advances in Stroke Treatment, the SCTNI Conference has an excellent mix of domestic and international speakers, and will also include case presentations. The Conference has become a highlight in the year for training and research in clinical neurovascular medicine.

The conference will be held in the Richard Carmichael Lecture Theatre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.  The Richard Carmichael Lecture Theatre can be accessed through the main entrance to the hospital, turn to the left in the lobby area and left again for the entrance to the lecture theatre.

The event is free to attend. Please register in advance by completing this form.

Provisional agenda (subject to change)

09.15 – 09.30 Welcome & Introduction

Prof Peter Kelly 

Session 1: 9.30 – 11.00      Emergency stroke treatment

• o9.30 -10.00     Current update on endovascular therapy

Speaker TBC

• 10.00 – 10.30   Re-organising stroke systems to prioritise thrombectomy for large artery strokes. The UK experience

Prof Philip White (Newcastle, UK)

• 10.30 – 11.00   Acute case presentations – lessons for treatment.

Break:  11.00-11.15

Session 2: 11.15-13.00       Haemorrhage and recovery

• 11.15 – 11.45   What next for acute treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage?

Prof Nikola Sprigg (Nottingham, UK)

• 11.45 – 12.15  Current research on stroke recovery in Ireland

Prof Frances Horgan (RCSI) & Dr Olive Lennon (UCD)

• 12.15 – 12.30   Stroke registers – an opportunity to improve conduct of stroke studies and quality of care

(NOCA speaker TBC)

• 12.30 – 13.00  What causes dementia after TIA and stroke?    

Prof Sarah Pendelbury (Oxford, UK)

Lunch:  13.00-14.15

Session 3: 14.15 – 16.00      Stroke prevention

• 14.15 -14.45   Lipids, atherosclerosis, and stroke

Prof Pierre Amarenco (Bichat University Hospital Paris)

• 14.45 – 15.15   Antiplatelet treatment strategies following non-cardioembolic TIA & ischaemic stroke

Prof Dominick McCabe (AMNCH-TUH/Trinity College Dublin)

• 15.15 – 15.45  Practical management of anticoagulation and bleeding in acute stroke

Prof Fionnuala Ni Ainle/Prof Sean Murphy (Mater/UCD Ireland)

• 15.45 – 16.00  General discussion     Prof Peter Kelly, Prof David Williams

Meeting close

The joint Public Health Annual Conference is hosted by the Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, the Public Health Agency, the Health Service Executive Ireland, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, and the Department of Health NI.

This year’s conference will focus on innovation in public health interventions, design and evaluation. The joint event aims to raise the profile of public health research, interventions and innovation, and engage local professionals, practitioners and researchers working in the broad field of public health. The day will provide an excellent opportunity to network across sectors and disciplines.

The UK Stroke Forum Conference is the largest multidisciplinary conference for stroke care professionals. The three day conference brings together over 100 expert speakers and researchers, all committed to improving stroke care. the conference gives attendees the opportunity to:

• Gain relevant accredited professional training;
• Find out the latest research and service developments;
• Learn about new innovations and services in the exhibition;
• Network with colleagues from across the entire care pathway;
• Showcase their work by submitting an abstract for presentation at the event.

The next conference will take place 3rd-5th December 2019. More details available here.

7th ESO-ESMINT-ESNR Stroke Winter School will take place from 28 – 31 January 2020. ESO, together with ESMINT and ESNR, endorses a winter course for young stroke physicians and neuroradiologists on the topic of acute interdisciplinary stroke treatment. The primary goal of the ESO- ESMINT-ESNR winter school on acute interdisciplinary stroke treatment is to join European young stroke physicians and young neuroradiologists in order to enhance interdisciplinary management of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. A series of concentrated high quality teaching sessions and courses on acute stroke management will be offered at a low price. The secondary goal of the winter school is to perform “hands-on” courses for interventional neuroradiologists and special teaching sessions for stroke physicians. The winter school offers a unique method of teaching. Combining plenum sessions, discussions and technical training, it fosters improvement in treatment of cerebrovascular disease and advance research in this complex field, leading to technical developments.

Further information available here.

The European Stroke Organisation (ESO) is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has a mission to reduce the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment and long term care. WSO is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a non-governmental organisation for official relations. Join the ESO and the WSO for their jointly organised stroke conference in Vienna, 12-15 May 2020. This is your opportunity to be part of a new level of collaboration across Europe and the World.